Compressor block

User contributions

Compressor tips and tricks

• Radley's compressor tips
• Compressor FAQ
• Wikipedia
• Side-chaining

Sidechain Select parameter

• You can use the signal that enters the grid to feed the compressor, even if the compressor block is placed further upon the grid, through the Sidechain Select parameter (only in Studio mode).

Release parameter (Pedal mode)

• Cliff: "Pedal compressors typically have very long release times so the time is scaled by 10 for pedal mode. The time in studio mode is accurate to within a microsecond." Source
• Cliff: "The times are the classic "time constants" for analog circuits, i.e. the time it takes for a signal to settle to 37% of it's final value (e^-1)." Source

Emphasis parameter

• Firmware 6.01 release notes: "Added “Emphasis” control to Compressor block Pedal mode. Since the Pedal mode does not have a side-chain, this allows for a similar function by pre-emphasizing the high frequencies prior to compression and then de-emphasizing them after."

Using the compressor as a limiter

• The Axe-Fx II doesn't provide a dedicated brickwall limiter, but the Compressor (block) can be used as such. From the manual: "Setting the RATIO to “INFINITY” turns the compressor into a “limiter,” reducing any level above the threshold to the threshold, applying a sort of “ceiling” or “brick-wall limiting” above which nothing can rise."
• More information in this thread.

Pedal compressor types

• Firmware 9 adds a 2nd Pedal compressor type, which is smoother and pumps less.

Position of the Compressor block

• Placing the Compressor block after the Amp block makes it interfere less with the amp dynamics.

Obtaining heavy pumping compression

• Cliff: "Reduce Look Ahead." Source

Simulating other compressor effects

• Mother-of-all-pedal-and-effects-emulations thread
• http://forum.fractalaudio.com/axe-fx-ii-discussion/59925-compressor-settings-country-twang-3.html